| Britian wont isolate arafat Original Source Link: (May no longer be active) http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20030714-122441-5186r.htmhttp://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20030714-122441-5186r.htm
Britain won't isolate Arafat
LONDON, July 14 (UPI) -- Britain has rebuffed a call from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to sever contacts with Yasser Arafat.
During talks Monday in London with Sharon, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made clear the government would continue dealing with Arafat "as we see fit", British officials said.
Sharon is due to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair for talks over dinner in a visit intended to repair relations between the two governments following the strains of recent months, the London Telegraph said.
Monday's 45-minute meeting with Straw focused mainly on the Middle East peace process and the implementation of internationally-backed "road map".
Sharon wants European leaders to cut their ties with Arafat, who he accuses of interfering in the work of the moderate Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.
Although Arafat has been partly sidelined since Abbas became premier in April, he retains considerable powers and remains the most popular Palestinian leader.
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